FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Kantum I want you to meet Zanith," Ranfult began, "We are on our way to the kingdom to see the king. He is expecting us."

"And we have the honor to host two such important individuals," Kantum smirked and nudged Ranfult, "Alright, It's nice to meet you Zanith. Would you two like a menu or should I just bring out the Chef's Special?"

"You know what? The Chef's Special sounds wonderful," Ranfult declared.

"What about you Zanith?" Kantum inquired.

"Oh... I-I'll have the Chef's Special t-too," I replied nervously.

What on Earth is going on? How could Kantum possibly be Ranfult's childhood best friend? Was he following us from when we first arrived or was it pure coincidence that Kantum ran into me? This couldn't get any stranger...

"Hey Sis, would you grab our two guests some drinks?" Kantum ordered.

"Oh where are my manners!" Yasika said blushing a bit from embarrassment, "What would you boys like?"

"Really anything is fine with me," Ranfult said.

"Great, and for you Zanith?"

"Surprise me," I smiled.

"Well aren't you daring? I'll be right back!"

"So Ranfult, tell me more about these two, they seem like great people... I mean... Panthers..."

Ranfult chuckled, "Yes they are the closest thing to family I have. You see, when I was young I used to live in this village. Kantum and Yasika's family lived next door to my family. So naturally we hung out all the time and played games together. As the years went by we all became closer. We would hunt together, eat together, and travel together... It wasn't until my parents died that I moved to the kingdom to become a royal guard. They passed while visiting family in a different region, I don't really like to talk about it..." He paused, half expecting me to chime in, but after a few seconds he continued, "Anyways, its not like the village is very far from the kingdom, it's just that I had way more responsibilities once I obtained the job that I couldn't come visit Yasika and Kantum as often as I'd wanted to. It's sad but alas, that's life."

"Yeah... I hear ya," I replied with a hint of sadness in my tone.

"What's wrong?" Ranfult asked looking worried.

Shit. I didn't mean to sound sad.

"Oh... It's nothing really."

"Are you sure? It sounds like something is wrong. I have a sixth sense about these things," Ranfult winked.

"W-well... It's just that... You talking about your childhood friends and family is making me really miss mine."

"Oh..." Ranfult began, clearly uncomfortable, "You'll get answers soon enough, I promise." He put his arm around my back and pulled me close, "You're among friends here."

Here we go again. Just what am I doing here? Ugh this is frustrating. At least I will get some answers tonight... hopefully... "Soon" never seems to come in this world...

"Here you go boys!" Yasika interrupted, "Hope you like this Zanith!"

"What is it?" I inquired.

"Don't worry about the ingredients... It's called Manisulet."

"All righty then..." I said trailing off as I took my first sip. Whatever it was, it was very strong. I think it was alcoholic... "Is this an alcoholic beverage?"

"A what?" She responded quiet puzzled and looked over at Ranfult as if he would translate, but he just shrugged.

"Nevermind," I smiled and took another sip.

"Well?" she asked smiling; surely hoping I would like it.

"It's delicious! A bit strong but I need strong right now."

"Oh something troubling you dear?"

"It's nothing," Ranfult interrupted and put his arm around my shoulder, "he's just tired."

"Y-yeah, it's been a long journey Yasika," I concurred.

"Oh well I am sure Kantum will be right out with your meals so you can regain your strength," Yasika smiled.

Ranfult still held his arm around my shoulder. He slowly moved his hand back to his side but instead of letting me go he began rubbing my back. Maybe he was trying to comfort me? I'm not sure; I have a feeling Ranfult wanted to do what Kantum and I did earlier at the river. He sure cared about me enough.

"Two Chef's Specials!" Kantum said cheerfully and winked to me as he handed me mine.

"Thanks so much Kantum! You are a life saver," Ranfult declared.

"It is no problem at all!" Kantum said walking back toward the kitchen. He glanced back at me and said, "glad you came," winking at me again.

Are you kinding? First of all... how does Ranfult not notice Kantum winking at me? Second of all... REALLY??

Ranfult and I sat in silence as we ate our food. Ranfult's plate was empty in a matter of minutes. The meal was some sort of meat with some rice and assorted vegetables. It was delicious. By this time the customers who were in the restaurant have now departed, leaving Ranfult and I as the only customers left.

"Kantum is an amazing chef," I said interrupting the silence.

"The best I know! I'm sure he'd love to hear it, KANTUM!" Ranfult yelled.

"Yeah?" Kantum called from the kitchen.

"Come out here when you have a second, Zanith has to tell you something."

"Oh does he?" After a few moments Kantum came out and asked, "What is it Zanith?"

"I just wanted to tell you what a good chef you ar-" I smiled.

"Oh don't be so modest Zanith! A minute ago you said he was amazing!" Ranfult interrupted.

"Amazing?" Kantum questioned.

"Y-yeah... some of the best I've ever had," I replied.

"Well I'm glad to hear that!" He winked. AGAIN. He looked over at Ranfult, "so when do you boys got to get out of here?"

"You kicking me out already??" Ranfult playfully responded.

"Dude... I can only take so much of you..." Kantum joked, "But seriously Yasika and I are heading up to the kingdom tonight to visit some friends. Mind if we tag along with you two?"

"No not at all! We would enjoy the company," Ranfult smiled.

"Well let's get a move on then!" Kantum proposed. "Let us just close up shop. It'll only take a few minutes. YASIKA! Time to close up!"

Yasika came from out of the kitchen, "One step ahead of you Kantum, I already turned off all the appliances in the kitchen."

"Great!" Kantum said. He looked at Ranfult and I, "we'll meet you outside!" he suggested.

"Sounds good, come on Zanith," Ranfult ordered. We stepped outside and waited a few moments for Yasika and Kantum to join us. Once they did we began the short journey to the kingdom.

"So why are you and Yasika heading to the kingdom?" I asked Kantum.

"Oh we're just meeting up with some old friends."

"What are you guys going to do? Anything fun?" I inquired.

"Well not really..." he smirked.

"Hey!" Yasika said annoyed, "you said you would be on your best behavior! Don't put down catching up with our old friends!"

"I apologize," he said sympathetically. He turned to me and whispered, "But seriously, it's gonna be pretty boring."

"I heard that!" Yasika yelled, "and you wonder why you don't keep friends."

"Ranfult and Zanith are my friends," Kantum said putting his arms around Ranfult and me.

"Mmhmm," Yasika groaned unimpressed, "Ranfult's only friends with you because I'm your sister and Zanith doesn't know any better. Right guys?" she winked.

"Yup!" Ranfult replied playfully. Kantum let both of us go and playfully attacked Ranfult. I didn't reply, but I smiled. Is it weird that the only thing I could think about was how much everyone here winks? I mean literally all of them have winked at me within the matter of an hour...

For the remainder of the trip, I was pretty silent but no one really noticed because Ranfult, Kantum, and Yasika were all catching up and that was completely fine with me. I had a lot on my mind. I was about to meet the king of this land. What was I going to say? Why was I kidnapped? Demand that I am taken back to my world? I have no idea.

"We're here," Ranfult nudged me.

"Woah... this kingdom is huge."

"Yes, there are 10 foot walls surrounding the perimeter of the kingdom and only one entrance."

We made our way up to the entrance where we were stopped by two guards, "Ranfult, You're back!" One of the guards said, both saluting him.

"At ease gentleman. Meet Zanith, we are here to see the king," Ranfult said in a deep commanding voice I haven't heard before.

"Pleasure to meet you gentlemen," I said.

"Go on in," one of the guards commanded.

All four of us proceeded to enter the kingdom when Kantum and Yasika were stopped, "You two need to show the proper papers before entering the kingdom."

"C'mon they are friends of mine," Ranfult began.

"Don't worry about it Ranfult, we'll go in the official and proper way," Kantum said with a smile.

"All right, it was great seeing you! I promise I'll make it out to the village more often," Ranfult replied.

"Looking forward to it," Yasika said hugging Ranfult as if she wasn't going to see him ever again.

While they were hugging, Kantum walked over to me and gave me a hug, "I look forward to our next encounter Jeremy," he whispered in my ear while rubbing my back. Ranfult looked over at our hug and walked over to us.

"Hey what about me??" Ranfult joked as he hit kantum on the arm.

"Oh come here bro!" Kantum smiled and embraced Ranfult in a hug.

"See you later Yasika," I said hugging her, "I hope I see you again."

"Oh I'm sure you will honey," she said squeezing me tight, "it was great meeting you."

"Likewise," I smiled.

"Well we better get going," Ranfult said, "the king is expecting us."

We bid farewell one last time and left them at the gate. As we walked into the kingdom there were many one or two story homes and shops along most of the streets. It reminded me of a Parisian-esque city back in my world. I noticed many of the citizens looked just like the citizens of the small village where Yasika and Kantum live, but these citizens were better dressed. Ranfult bent over and whispered, "Stay close."

I did what he said as he guided me up to the castle. Everyone stopped Ranfult and wanted to meet me, I felt like a celebrity with a bodyguard trying to escape the paparazzi. This castle is huge! I don't know how Ranfult isn't lost; there were hallways upon hallways. All the different options left me disoriented and tired as Ranfult led me up a flight of stairs. We finally made it up several flights of stairs to a huge wooden door.

"This is the King's chamber, wait here," Ranfult ordered letting his ego get the best of him. I stood outside the king's chamber waiting to be invited in. My heart was pounding; it felt like it was going to pop out of my chest.

"WHAT?! HOW?!" I heard a strong masculine voice yell. The voice then immediately quieted as if he knew I could hear him, which, well, I could. Another moment went by before Ranfult opened the door.

"Come on in Zanith," he ushered. The room was dark. I could barely see a thing until suddenly the curtain was pulled open and light came flooding into the room.

"Hello there," said a figure next to the curtain.

"Uh... hello," I said unsure of what was going on.

"It has been a long time. You have been missed greatly," the figure stated stepping out from behind the curtain. He was... human. This is the first human I have encountered in this world. He was around my height if not an inch taller, and he wore red and black-checkered shirt with black pants and black boots.

"Do you recognize me?" he said hesitantly.

"N-no... Y-you're human..." I stuttered in complete and utter shock.

"Yes, yes I am," he laughed.

"Forgive me... I just haven't seen another human in this land."

"Please, it is quite all right, no need for apologies," the man said as he walked closer in my direction.

"Are you the king?" I inquired.

Without answering he continued walking in my direction and when he reached me, he gave me an enormous hug as if I was a long lost friend or something. "Yes, I am King Lenim. Will you please join me on the terrace?"

The king pointed to a door that appeared to lead outside. I nodded and he led the way to the terrace. He opened the door, "after you," he smiled. I walked out to the edge of the terrace to see the spectacular view. It was absolutely breathtaking. You could see for miles and miles; the tree lines of the forest, the river, and the path that led Ranfult and I to the kingdom, and Yasika and Kantum's village. After taking it all in, I looked down at the kingdom below and noticed everyone in the kingdom seemed to be gathered in a crowd around the castle. I turned around to ask the king about the crowd when I heard a trumpet type instrument blaring a catchy tune. The king approached the edge of the terrace, as did Ranfult. I began to back up, but Ranfult held his paw out motioning for me to stay.

"Citizens of Summum Regnum... Thank you for gathering around the castle on this fine evening," King Lenim began. "We have a very special guest joining us this evening... My son... Prince Zanith... has returned!" King Lenim turned and ushered me to come even closer. I just starred down at the crowd. The king continued with his speech, which I was not listening to because I was too distracted.

WHAT?! How could they think I was a prince? I have parents back home... I can remember everything about them. I noticed the king was now done with his speech by the loud roars that came from the audience from below. Promptly after the speech was concluded, I was guided back to the room where I first met the King.

Several guards that were standing on the terrace with us now exited the room so it was just King Lenim, Ranfult, and myself.

"I..." I trailed off not sure where to begin.

"I know this must come as a shock to you," Ranfult interrupted.

"There's... n-no way," I got out.

"But there is..." the King began, "you were taken from me and your mother as a young child, no more than 2. A sorcerer sent you to a foreign world as payback for something I did a long time ago. We've been trying to figure out how to get to this world... and after 15 long years our scientists finally figured out how to cross between the two worlds. Ranfult has been following you ever since. It was decided after your parents were killed in the car accident to bring you home where you belong... and here you are." The king stopped and put his hand up to me cheek. I didn't know what to say. I was trying to absorb everything he just told me. My legs began to feel weak and I felt very light headed... ... ... The room began spinning and everything faded to black.